Local MP tells of Parliament shooting shock

Andrew Nowell

A local MP has spoken of the shocking moments Parliament was put into lockdown after an intruder tried to get in and was shot.

Bolton West parliamentary representative Chris Green, whose constituency includes parts of Atherton, said the attack had deeply shocked everyone in the House of Commons.

The attempt to get into Parliament came just after several people were injured by a car driving across Westminster Bridge.

Mr Green described colleagues frantically ringing round to make sure those they knew were in the area were safe and watching the horrific events unfolding on TV.

He said on social media his “thoughts and prayers” were with those affected and praised the police and armed forces for their efforts to keep the country safe.

MPs were voting when lockdown was implemented as armed security forces rushed to secure the Palace of Westminster.

The entire place was on lockdown after that and we were just waiting for the all clear to move again.

Chris Green MP

Mr Green said: “The division bell went off and all the MPs from the Parliamentary Estate headed to the lobby. As they were arriving there the alarm went off and the doorman said we could go in to vote but we couldn’t come back out again.

“The entire place was on lockdown after that and we were just waiting for the all clear to move again.

“It’s a huge area to clear and investigate, so we had to wait for the police to do their job. We were all hooked to the TV screens trying to find out what was going on and checking on colleagues and friends around the place to make sure they were all OK.

“I understand a policeman was attacked when the intruder got onto the estate. It really brings home the risks our security forces face on a daily basis.”